Fonterra Waitoa Biomass Boiler Project NZ

  Leadership   Strategy   Sustainability  

Being a leader in sustainability is a strategic priority for Fonterra and we know we have a part to play in helping New Zealand meet climate targets.  The Co-operative is ambitious to be at Net Zero Emissions by 2050. It has an interim target of a 50% absolute reduction in manufacturing emissions by 2030 based on its FY18 level and ceasing coal use by 2037. With the recent installation of the Biomass Boiler, Fonterra’s Waitoa manufacturing site is now using around 50% less coal. The new wood biomass boiler, delivered in partnership with Windsor Energy, Aurecon, Schick Civil Construction, and Hendl and Murray Engineering reduces the site’s annual emissions by a forecast 48,000 tonnes of CO₂ₑ, the equivalent of taking 20,000 cars off New Zealand’s roads and is another significant step in the Co-op’s transition to a low carbon future. This project has been significant for Fonterra and was awarded the ESG award at the PMINZ Annual Award conference in February 2024
 

Fonterra has taken another step towards its low carbon transition with its Waitoa site in the Waikato (North Island NZ) installing a 30 megawatt wood biomass boiler to replace a coal boiler. The new boiler has reduced the site’s annual emissions by a forecast 48,000 tonnes of CO2e, the equivalent of taking approximately 20,000 cars off New Zealand’s roads. The Project Team worked as a “Community of People” with a strong focus on Health, Safety, and Wellbeing, as well as demonstrating effective Project and Programme Management to deliver Decarbonisation at scale, resulting in a hugely successful project.